Molecular asymmetry and pheromone science

Abstract

In pheromone science, molecular asymmetry is important both chemically and biologically. Techniques for the determination of the absolute configuration of pheromones are discussed first. Enantioselective synthesis of pheromones is the central part of the research on molecular asymmetry in pheromone science. Synthesis of sordidin, the banana weevil pheromone, is given as an example in that area. Molecular asymmetry governs the biodiversity of pheromone perception as illustrated by the detailed discussion on the relationships between absolute configuration and pheromone activity. © 1996, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.